History

In 1979, under the leadership of Des Cummings, Jr., Andrews University Seminary established the Youth Resource Center. This was the first Adventist College/ University in the world to establish a Center to specialize in the training of students and congregation youth ministry leaders for various forms of Youth Evangelism.

In 1985, when Steve Case joined the Seminary faculty, he was recruited to teach youth ministry subjects and take over the Director position for the Youth Resource Center. Steve upgraded the Youth Ministry Book Library and held various youth ministry training seminars around the country.

1991 ushered in a new Center Director with the appointment of Randal Wisbey. Randy established Seminary student involvement throughout the North American Division with a one-day program called Youth Summit. Over 10,000 Youth Participated in interactive events. Also, he elevated the training of graduate students who wanted to specialize in Youth ministry by establishing the MA in Youth Ministry Degree. The Youth Ministry Leadership publication Giraffe News and Society was created under Randy’s leadership.

In 1996, Ron Whitehead joined the Seminary faculty and agreed to manage the renamed Youth Resource Center. With a full-time Executive Director for the new Center for Youth Evangelism, most of the previous ministry programs were enhanced and new Youth Evangelism methods were created.

In 1999, Barry Gane gave leadership to the MA in Youth Ministry training and serves as a support person for CYE.

In 2006, Japhet De Oliveira joined CYE as an Associate Director and as of 2009 was appointed the Director of CYE with Ron Whitehead still serving as Executive Director.

Since 2008, Allan Walshe has given leadership to the MA in Youth Ministry training and serves as a support person for CYE.

In 2010, Jose Bourget joined CYE as Assistant Director. Jose served CYE in that capacicity until 2011, when he accepted the call as chaplain at Andrews University. Also in 2010, CYE celebrated its 30th anniversary on October 21, 2010.

In 2011, CYE welcomed Tibor Shelley as the new Assistant Director. Tibor brings a vast background of leadership and knowledge to the team.